Grand Cayman vs Curacao

[Damselfish]

We've been to Curacao a bunch and like it. though it's been awhile so don't know what things are like now, and not sure where we would chose to stay now. (For comparison we prefer Curacao over Bonaire - for us easier to get to Curacao, we find the diving more varied and above water more interesting with better food. FWIW we're not into shore diving that requires hauling gear all over the place and don't do that on either island. I want to stroll out to the dock and fall in or get on a boat.)

I used to love Grand Cayman, including some of the shore diving, but not too interested anymore. Development and traffic have run amuck, and the diving on either end is far from what it used to be. Last two trips found the diving disappointing. Little Cayman is way better diving. Bit of a nuisance to get to, but worth it. Might want to look at Brac too.

 

[ThatsAmore]

I'm in the minority I think in that I'll take the east end of Grand Cayman over Curacao any time. But I value nature and quiet over the "above water activities" a lot of people like. I felt like Curacao was trying to be little Cancun, and it was too loud, too tight and too crowded for me. Bonaire had the secluded feel I was looking for, but they really push the shore diving, which I'm not so much into. I would go back there though, and I won't return to Curacao. So I guess it comes down to what your preferences are.

 

[tkaelin]

I'm in the minority I think in that I'll take the east end of Grand Cayman over Curacao any time. But I value nature and quiet over the "above water activities" a lot of people like. I felt like Curacao was trying to be little Cancun, and it was too loud, too tight and too crowded for me. Bonaire had the secluded feel I was looking for, but they really push the shore diving, which I'm not so much into. I would go back there though, and I won't return to Curacao. So I guess it comes down to what your preferences are.

Curious as to what part of Curacao you stayed in. Doesn’t sound like Westpunt, which is quieter and even more remote than the east End. I thoroughly enjoy staying in the east end and diving with Oceanfrontiers.

 

[Damselfish]

I'm in the minority I think in that I'll take the east end of Grand Cayman over Curacao any time. But I value nature and quiet over the "above water activities" a lot of people like. I felt like Curacao was trying to be little Cancun, and it was too loud, too tight and too crowded for me. Bonaire had the secluded feel I was looking for, but they really push the shore diving, which I'm not so much into. I would go back there though, and I won't return to Curacao. So I guess it comes down to what your preferences are.

If you stay only in or near the city on Curacao, you will come away with a much different impression than if you stay out west which is remote and quiet and generally better diving. Sort of like West vs East ends of Grand Cayman. Comparing the more urban areas of Curacao to East End of Cayman is not a valid comparison.